New Study Finds Legalizing Medical Marijuana Leads to Significant Reductions in Opioid Prescriptions
A recent study published in the American Journal of Health Economics has found that legalizing medical marijuana is associated with significant reductions in opioid prescriptions. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia and the University of Colorado, analyzed prescription claims for 15-20 million insured Americans annually from 2007-2020.
The researchers found that states with medical cannabis laws in place saw a 16% average decrease in opioid prescriptions, with some states experiencing declines of over 20%. The study also found that the decrease in opioid prescriptions was most pronounced among cancer patients and non-cancer Black patients.
The study’s authors suggest that medical marijuana legalization may be a valuable tool for policymakers looking to reduce opioid use and promote safer pain management. They note that the availability of medical cannabis may be leading to a substitution away from opioids toward safer alternatives, such as NSAID pain medications.
This is not the first study to find a link between medical marijuana legalization and reduced opioid use. Previous research has shown that states with medical marijuana laws in place have lower rates of opioid overdose deaths and lower rates of opioid prescriptions.
The study’s findings are consistent with other recent research on the topic. For example, a study published in August found that marijuana can serve as an effective substitute for opioids in pain management treatment. Another study published earlier this year found that daily cannabis use was linked to a higher likelihood of quitting the use of opioids among drug users who experience chronic pain.
The evidence suggests that medical marijuana legalization may be a key strategy for reducing opioid use and promoting safer pain management. As policymakers look for ways to address the ongoing opioid epidemic, it is clear that medical marijuana legalization should be a key consideration.
